6/03/2009 @ 6:00PM

Most Powerful Athletes

#5 Tiger Woods

Golf’s alpha dog was sidelined for eight months after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee, denting his potential for prize money and robbing him of the $3 million appearance fees he often earns overseas. Found a way to make money without playing: designing golf courses. Already developing courses in North Carolina and Dubai; announced plans for a third course last year in Mexico. Also commands some of the most lucrative endorsement contracts in sports. Biggest sponsor: Nike, with golf sales of $725 million last year. Even Woods is not immune to the recession; his endorsement deal with Buick ended a year early after Chrysler faltered. Woods quickly tapped AT&T to replace the car company as the sponsor on his golf bag.